Joseph Lee

Trench Thoughts: Christmas 1916

Not of the Christ who came

Two thousand years ago;

Only the firelight glow

In one loved cot I know.

 

Not of those shepherds old,

Watching their flocks by night!

But Father, and Kate with a light,

Seeing that cows is right.

 

Not of the Angel song;

Peace unto men of Goodwill;

Only my brother Bill

Dead, and he done no ill!

 

Not of the Heavenly Host,

Bringing tidings of great joy;

But my mother’s homely employ,

And her prayer, ‘My boy, my boy!’